Roller-band device

ABSTRACT

A roller-band device which utilizes a single roller with a flexible band encircling it and having its ends extending generally in opposite directions therefrom. The band has complimentary cutout and solid portions, preferably a pair of spaced leg portions at one end of the band and a tongue portion disposed between and having a width somewhat less than the space between the two leg portions at the other end whereby the band is wrapped around the roller and the tongue passes between the spaced legs without touching them. The roller and band are movable together along a predetermined path and may be used for performing various electrical switching functions. Opposite ends of the band decline from the plane on which the roller moves and form an acute angle therewith so that a high-contact force is obtained between contact surfaces on the roller and on the frame. A unique frame and housing means renders the device easily assembled and calibrated and then encloses the device. Also disclosed is a roller-band device with multiple rollers spaced along a common band.

United States Patent Crow et a].

[54] ROLLER-BAND DEVICE [72] Inventors: Herman L. Crow, River Falls,Wis.; An-

, drew Lu Conic, New Port; Patrick Martin Mlloney, St. Paul; GaryRaymond Bluem,

[21] Appl. No.: 9,349

3,488,098 1/1970 Sobczak.... ..308/6 l,8l2,4l0 6/1931 Meuer ...200/l66BB UX 1,935,498 1 1/ 1933 Bentley ..200/ 166 BB X OTHER PUBLICATIONSWilkes (l); Rolamite: A New Mechanical Design Concept; Research ReportSC-RR-67-656A, Dec., 1967; publication mon band.

[451 Feb. 15, 1972 of ABC; pp. 7], 89, I68, I72, I73, I94, & I95included; copy in group 210.

Primary Examiner-Robert K. Schaefer Assistant Examiner-Robert A.Vanderhye Attorney-Frederick E. Lange, William C. Babcock and David N.Fronek [57] ABSTRACT A roller-band device which utilizes a single rollerwith a flexible band encircling it and having its ends extendinggenerally in opposite directions therefrom. The band has complimentarycutout and solid portions, preferably a pair of spaced leg portions atone end of the band and a tongue portion disposed between and having awidth somewhat less than the space between the two leg portions at theother end whereby the band is wrapped around the roller and the tonguepasses between the spaced legs without touching them. The roller andband are movable together along-a predetermined path and may be used forperforming various electrical switching functions. Opposite ends of theband decline from the plane on which the roller moves and form an acuteangle therewith so that a high-contact force is obtained between contactsurfaces on the roller and on the frame. A unique frame and housingmeans renders the device easily assembled and calibrated and thenencloses the device. Also disclosed is a roller-band device withmultiple rollers spaced along a com- 4 24 Claims, 17 Drawing FiguresROLLER-BAND DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Roller-band devices havebecome relatively well known in the past few years, particularly sincedisclosure to the public of the work done by Donald Wilkes on so-calledRolamite" devices. These devices are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,452,175 and 3,452,309, both issued to Donald Wilkes and assignedto the United States of America. Rolamite devices utilize a flexibleband formed into a generally S- shaped configuration with two rollers,one disposed on either side of the band and in one of the loops of theS-shape. These devices provide a relatively low-friction mechanismwhich, it has been suggested, may be utilized to provide a multitude ofswitching and other functions in response to a relatively small inputforce.

Another form of roller-band device utilizing a single roller has beendisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,167,962 issued to DominickScotto and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,488,098 issued to Bernard Sobczak. In thistype of device a single roller is utilized with a band havingcomplimentary cutaway portions so that a tongue portion wraps around theroller and extends through a space between the pair of spaced legportions and the ends of the band extend generally in oppositedirections from the roller. They have the obvious advantage of beingsimpler than the Rolamite device in that they use a single roller andalso that there is much less stress on the band since it is not doubledback against itself as is the case in the S-shaped band of the Rolamitedevices.

While roller-band devices of the types referred to above have becomeknown and have been suggested as being capable of use in manyapplications, they have not actually found much commercial use. Therehas been a need for a simple switching device which provides goodcontact forces, can be made to respond to relatively small appliedforces, is adaptable to operation in response to a variety of differenttypes of forces, and particularly one which can be miniaturized and yetwill be reliable, relatively inexpensive, and capable of switchingrelatively large current loads.

It has been realized that roller-band devices might be utilized in aswitch which would satisfy some of these needs. However, attempts havegenerally been made to utilize some type of conventional switchingarrangement operated by the moving roller and band and these have notbeen completely successful for a number of reasons.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention provides an improvement overthe previously proposed roller-band devices. It utilizes a single rollerand band, preferably arranged generally like the arrangement disclosedin the previously mentioned Scotto U.S. Pat. No. 3,167,962 and SobczakU.S. Pat. No. 3,488,098. In this arrangement the band includescomplimentary cutaway portions and solid portions on opposite endsthereof and disposed so that when the band encircles the roller, thesolid portions thereof extend through the cutaway portions permittingthe opposite ends of the band to cross over without touching each other.In the improvement provided by this invention opposite ends of the banddecline from the plane on which the roller moves and form acute angleswith this plane on the opposite side from the roller. This isparticularly useful when the roller itself has one or more contactsurfaces engageable with electrical contacts mounted on the frame orguide surface. The contact force may be adjusted by adjusting the bandtension or the angle of decline and thereby the downward thrust on theroller. A unique frame structure is provided wherein the roller and bandmay be arranged so that the band extends fromthe crossover point in theplane on which the roller rolls or, by utilizing a longer roller, maydecline downward from this plane. A housing cooperates with this frameto form a completely enclosed structure which may easily be hermeticallysealed.

When electrical contact is made by the roller itself, it may beaccomplished in any one of several forms. In one arrangement the contactsurface of the roller is the same diameter as the rolling radius of theroller and band so that there is a simple rolling action between thecontact surface of the roller and the fixed contacts mounted on theframe. In another arrangement the contact surface on the roller has alarger radius than the rolling radius of the roller and band so thatthere is a wiping action of the contact surfaces since the contactsurface of the roller has a greater velocity than normal rolling actionbetween the two surfaces would require. In still another arrangement thecontact surface on the roller has a smaller radius than the rollingradius and this results in a skidding action because there is a lesservelocity than required for normal rolling action. The application of thedevice will determine which of these arrangements is used.

The device is usable for a multitude of functions generally similar tothe uses which have been proposed for the Rolamite devices. It isespecially useful in connection with electrical or pneumatic switching.The device may be operated in response to gravity, impact, vibration,centrifugal force, acceleration, temperature (by a bimetal band), or maybe magnetically operated, hand actuated as'in a keyboard switch, oroperated in many other ways. A plurality of roller-band devices may beassembled using a single band which encircles each of a plurality ofspaced, parallel rollers. The rollers may be of different masses or theband formed with different force characteristics adjacent differentrollers so that they respond to different forces.

An object of the invention is to provide a roller-band device which canbe easily manufactured and assembled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a roller-band deviceutilizing a single roller supported'by a band with the rollercooperating with fixed means to perform switching functions and with theband arranged to provide a thrust urging the roller toward the fixedmeans.

Another object of the invention is to provide a roller-band deviceutilizing a single roller and wherein the contact force between surfaceson the roller and fixed surfaces are readily adjustable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a roller-band device withthe band arranged so that the force exerted upon the guide surface bythe roller varies as the roller moves from one position to another inits path of travel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a unique frame and housingmeans for a roller-band device which renders the device easy to assembleand calibrate and then substantially completely encloses the device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a rollerband devicewherein a plurality of spaced rollers cooperate with a common band.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent uponreading the detailed description thereof which follows.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view,shown schematically, of an electrical switch utilizing the invention.

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken. generally along line2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 2but disclosing a slightly modified form of the invention.

FIG. 4 is also a transverse, cross-sectional view generally similar toFIGS. 2 and 3, but disclosing another modification of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, with portions broken away, of a preferredform of the invention disclosing a roller-band switching deviceincluding a unique frame and housing structure therefor.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the roller-band device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken generally alongline 7--7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8'is a transverse cross-sectional view taken generally along line8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view disclosing in detail a contactarrangement which forms a part of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view, with the housing removed, of the roller-banddevice of FIGS. through 9.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view generally similar to FIG.7 but disclosing a modified form of the invention utilizing a bimetalband as part of the device.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view generally similar to FIG.7 but disclosing another modification of the invention wherein thedevice is constructed to opeiate as a slide wire potentiometer.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the device disclosed in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 discloses schematically an embodiment of the invention wherein aplurality of roller-band devices utilize a common band.

FIG. 15 discloses schematically a band which may be used in a device asdisclosed in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 discloses schematically another arrangement wherein a pluralityof roller-band utilize a common band.

FIG. 17 discloses schematically a band used in the device of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing where theinvention is shown schematically, numeral 110 generally designates acasing or housing having end walls 111 and 112, a bottom wall 113,sidewalls 114 and 115 and a cover 116. A roller 117 operates within thecasing and is electrically conductive or at least has conductiveportions. It is encircled by a band 118 which has a tongue portion 121and a pair of spaced leg portions I23 and 124. Leg portions 123 and 124are spaced a distance greater than the width of tongue portion 121 sothat when the band is wrapped around the roller, tongue 121 passesbetween the legs without touching them and extends from the roller,generally in an opposite direction from the ends of the legs. Agenerally flat member 130 is mounted within the casing at a positionspaced above bottom wall 113. Member 130 has a center portion removed inorder to allow the tongue and the legs of the band to extend therethrough to the underside of member 130. However, the width of thisopening is small enough so that the ends of roller 117 engage the upperside of it, this upper side providing guide surfaces along the openingfor the roller to roll upon band 118, encircles the roller as describedand the opposite ends of the band decline from the plane on which theroller moves (the top surface of member 130) and extend to the undersideof member 130, and thus form an acute angle with this plane. Forexample, tongue 121 of the band extends through the opening to theunderside of member 130 and extends downwardly'making an angle withrespect to the plane defined by the upper surface of member 130.Similarly, legs 123 and 124 extend downwardly and form an acute anglewith the plane defined by the upper surface of member 130. The band isthen attached by appropriate means 131 to the underside of member 130and is maintained in tension. The angles a and B are preferablyidentical when the roller is in a centered position and generally willbe relatively small. For example, it has been found that angles of 5 orare generally sufficient to accomplish the purpose to be described forthis type of device.

Roller 117 and band 118 are movable together, with roller 117 rollingback and forth along the top surface of member 130, in a directionnormal to the axis of the roller, which direction may be termed thelongitudinal direction of the device. This movement is limited by endstops 136 and 137.

In. the arrangement disclosed, at least the surface of roller 117 iselectrically conductive. Band 118 may also be conductive but it need notbe. Casing 110 and member 130 are electrically insulative. An electricalconductor 132 is connected to an electrical contact surface 133 on theupper side of member 130 in an area where it will be engaged by theextending left end of roller 117 (as seen in FIG. 2) as it moves alongits path of travel. A similar electrical contact surface 134 is providedon the opposite side of the casing to be engaged by the other end ofroller 117. Contact 134 is connected to an appropriate electricalconductor 135.

In the position shown solid lines in FIG. 1, and as disclosed in FIG. 2,the roller occupies a position substantially midway between its endpositions. It will be appreciated that at this point there is the leasttension in the band and thus the least force urging the roller down ontothe surface of member 130. As the roller moves in either direction fromthe midpoint this force increases. Thus, if roller 117 is moved to theright, towards stop 137, the force urging it downward into engagementwith member increases and at the point where the roller engageselectrical contact surface 133 and 134, it is at a maximum force therebytending to reduce the contact resistance between the roller and thecontact surfaces. However, since there is less force as the rolleroccupies other positions, the effect of the surface smoothness of theroller and of the guide surface on the upper side of member 130 will beless as the roller is in positions between the end positions of itstravel. Thus, the roller can move relatively freely but has a maximumcontact pressure when it rolls into engagement with the contactsurfaces. When the roller engages contacts 133 and 134 a circuit iscompleted between them.

It will be appreciated that this embodiment may be modified, forexample, by having contact surfaces disposed at each of the endpositions so that one circuit is completed in one of the end positionsand circuit is completed in the other end position. Band 118 may also bea part of the circuit if desired. The surface or contact pressure andthe variation therein as the roller moves between its midpoint and theend positions can be adjusted by varying the angles a and B and/ortension in band 118.

It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the radius of the surfaceon member 117 which engages the contact sur faces is the same as therolling radius of the band and roller. Thus, there is no relative motionbetween the roller and the contact surfaces, there is only rollingcontact. This is not necessarily essential as can be seen by referringto FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 discloses a structure generally similar to thatdisclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 except that here roller 117 has portions and141 at its ends which have a reduced radius from the rest of the roller.Portions 140 and 141 roll along the surface of member 130 but here thisguide surface has been raised upward so that actually the plane in whichthe band and roller move is disposed below this surface. In FIG. 3contact surfaces 133 and 134 can be seen as engaged by portions 140 and141, respectively. It will be appreciated that in this instance theradius of the surfaces which engage these contacts is less than therolling radius of the band and roller; Thus, the velocity of the surfaceof portions 140 and 141 is less than that required for simple rollingalong the upper guide surface and there is a skidding action, resultingin wiping between the surfaces of portions 140 and 141 and the contactsurfaces 133 and 134.

A wiping action can also be obtained by having the guide surface loweredas it is in FIG. 4 and with the portions of roller 117 which engage thisguide surface, these being designated by numerals 142 and 143, having aradius larger than the radius of the rest of the roller. In this case,this radius is substantially greater than the rolling radius of theroller and band and therefore the velocity of the surface of portions142 and 143 is greater than would result in normal rolling motion alongthe guide surface and this results in a wiping action with the contactsurfaces also. Thus, in addition to the increased contact pressureprovided by the manner in which the band is attached, good electricalcontact is further assured by this skidding or wiping action between themating contact surfaces.

FIGS. 5 through 10 disclose in considerable detail a structureespecially adaptable for utilizing the principles disclosed in schematicform in FIGS. 1 through 4. Referring to FIGS. 5

through 10, reference numeral 200 refers generally to a roller banddevice utilizing a single roller 201 and a single band 202 generally asdescribed previously herein. The frame on which the roller andband aremounted includes framemember 203 which includes a pairof spaced rails205 and 206 extending longitudinally of the device and in generallyspaced parallel relationship. They are connected by a pair of abutmentmembers 207 and 208 which preferably are molded integrally with therails. Molded into rail 205 are a pair of electrical conductors 210 and211 each of which extend all the way from beyond the ends of the deviceinto a position nearly reaching the center of the device where they haveraised electrical contactportions 213 and 214, respectively, extendedupward to the surface of rail 205 where they are separated by a portion212 of frame member 203. Similarly, conductors 215 and 216 are moldedinto rail 206 and have disposed thereon generally similar electricalcontacts 217 and 218, respectively, separated by an insulative portion220. Abutment portions 207 and 208 have inwardly extending abutmentsurfaces 207a and 208a, respectively. These define the end or the limitsof travel for roller 201 which is mounted on a second frame member 222.As best seen in FIG. 8, member 222 has an inverted T-shaped crosssection with the leg of the T disposed betweenthe rails 205 and 206 andwith the crossbar extending outwardly so that it is disposed beneaththese two rails.

Band 202 is mounted on the top surface of the leg of T- shaped member222. This is accomplished by fixing it thereto by appropriate means suchas rivets 223 at opposite ends thereof. An appropriate enlarged bearingsurface 224 acting somewhat like a washer may be utilized beneath theheads of rivets 223 at the ends of band 202. The band encircles roller201 in the manner described previously with the tongue portion extendingbetween the spaced leg portions of the band and with opposite endsextending generally in opposite directions. The leg of member 222 issomewhat shorter than theheight of the rails so that the top surfacethereof is dipsosed below the top of the rails so that the ends of theband decline.

The device may be assembled by securely attaching one end of the band,for example, the right-hand end as seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, to member 222and then looping the band and securing it loosely at the left-hand end.The left-hand end of band 202, designated 202a, is allowed to extendbeyond the end of member 222. At this point member 222 is inserted inthe space between rails 205 and 206. The overall width of the band isless than the space between these rails so it can easily be inserted.The band is now loose and the roller may be inserted in the loop. Roller201 is longer than the space between rails 205 and 206 and thereforerests on top of these rails. Now end 202a or band 202 is grasped by anappropriate means and pulled until the desired tension is obtained inthe band. Then rivet 223, at the left-hand end of band 202 is tightened.Openings may be provided in abutment portions 207 and 208, for instanceas can be seen particularly in FIG. 6, to facilitate insertion andcrimping of these rivets. It will be appreciated that while rivets havebeen disclosed, other appropriate means may be utilized for securing theband to member 222. This may be accomplished, for example, by having anupstanding post on member 222 adjacent each end of the band and thenhaving end 202a slotted and secure the band by heat staking, if desired.

As shown in FIG. 10, frame member 222 is secured to frame member 203 byappropriate means such as screws 230 extending up from the bottom of thecrossbar portion of member 222 into rails 205 and 206. An adjustment isprovided by the provisionof elongated slots 231, extending in alongitudinal direction, through which these screws extend. This permitsadjustment of the position of the band with respect to its end positionsas defined by abutment surfaces 207a and 208a. When the band is designedto have an internal bias, and especially when a nonuniform band (forexample one with tapered legs) is used, this adjustment will vary thebias applied in various positions of the band. It will also vary theposition at which the greatest contact pressure will be exerted since,as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, the ends of the band do declineinthe manner which was described in connection with F lGS. 1 through 4to exert a downward force of the roller upon the contact surfaces.Instead of screws 230, solvent bonding may be used to secure member 222in its adjusted position, or an appropriate adhesive may be used.

As indicated, the ends of roller 201 extend outward beyond the width ofthe band and engage the upper surfaces of the electrical conductormembers mounted on top of the rails. Generally, as has been shown in theembodiment of F [68.5 through 10, the amount of movement of roller isactually relatively small. In this embodiment, the roller, then in itsright end position as disclosed in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, for example, is inengagement with fixed contacts 214 and 218 and thus completes a circuitbetween electrical conductors 211 and 216. In its other end position itengages electrical contacts 213 I and 217, completing a circuit betweenelectrical conductors 210 and 215. In FIG. 9 the roller is shown passingthrough its center position and here it engages only the electricallyinsulative members 212 and 220.

A third frame member 240 cooperates with frame members 203 and 222 toprovide an enclosure for the entire device. As can be seen in FIGS. 5through 10, frame member 240 comprises a casing or housing which isenclosed on all but one end and which has mounting flanges 241 extendingon opposite sides thereof. On the left-hand end of frame member 203, asbest seen in FIG. 5, there is a member 242 which serves as an additionalside or end for casing 240 so that when the rollerband'device is slidinto the casing, this member 242, which is secured to frame member 202or may be an integral molded part thereof, serves as the final side orend of the casing to substantially completely enclose the roller-banddevice. Appropriate openings are provided so that the ends of electricalconductor members 211 and 216 may extend outward through the closed endof the casing.

FIG. 11 discloses an arrangement wherein the structure is substantiallyidentical to that described in connection with the foregoing FIGS. 5through 10 except that band 202 has been replaced by a band 250 which isconstructed of bimetallic material responsive to temperature change.Thus, the internal bias in the band, urging the roller and band to onedirection or another, will vary with temperature so that the roller andband will be moved upon a predetermined temperature change. Forconvenience, the same switching arrangement has been disclosed in Flg.11 as was disclosed in the foregoing embodiment but it will beappreciated that various types of switching arrangements may be utilizeddepending upon the control function to be performed by the thermostaticswitch. By way of example, bimetallic band 250 may be constructed sothat under certain conditions the roller and band will be disposed inthe position disclosed in FIG. '11, adjacent abutment member 208. Upon apredetermined increase in temperature band 250 will be deformed so thatthe roller and band will be urged to the left and into engagement withabutment 207. Obviously many modifications of this are possible and thisone embodiment has been disclosed by way of illustration only.

FIGS. 12 and 13 disclose still another embodiment of the inventionutilizing the unique frame structure disclosed in FIGS.

5 through 10. Here, however, the roller does not ride on top of rails205 and 206 but rather a shorter roller 260 has been substituted whichhas a length such that it can be disposed between rails 205 and 206. Inthis arrangement, the band and roller move directly along the uppersurface of the leg of member 222 and there is no angle between the endsof the band and this surface. By way of illustration a hollow roller 260has been shown but this is not necessary since a solid one may also beused. In the disclosed embodiment an insulative roller has beenutilized. Band 202, however, is conductive and one end thereof, theright-hand end as disclosed in FIG. 12, is connected to an appropriateconductor 261. Band 202 and roller 260 roll along the upper surface ofthe leg of frame member'222 between the stops provided byv abutments207and 208. Member 222 may still be adjusted longitudinally with respecttoframe member "26336 that the relative position of V the band withrespect to its end stops may be adjusted;

in this embodiment, any desired type of switching arrangementinaybeutilized. However, an arrangement has been disclosed wherein the deviceacts like a slide wire potentiometer.

lnorder to accomplish this a conductive member 262 has been embedded intheupper surface of the leg of member 1222 in a position where it willbe engaged by band 202 asit rolls between its-twoend positions. Member262 is connected to an appropriate electrical conductor263. Now, as theroller and band move from one position toward theotherethe resistancethrough thecircuit between conductors 261 and263 will vary dependingupon the position of the roller and band. 7 a

As can be seen from foregoing, the frame and housing struc- .turedisclosed may be utilized-in numerous variations of the roller-banddeviceQBy simply changing the length of the roller, the roller can bemade to roll along the topof the railsor with a shorter rollerjt mayroll directly upon member 222fVarious types of switching may beutilizedand in each instancethe entire unitcan usually be sealed withinthe housing proyided by the third frame member 240. Obviouslythe'housi'ng can be hermetically sealed if desired.

A roller-band device, generally of the type described previous'ly hereinmay also utilize a plurality of rollers operating 'with a common band.For example, FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose schematically an arrangementwherein a plurality of rollers cooperate with the band to provide a likeplurality of indepenbidirectional switch by simply adding a switch meansoperable by each of the'rollers.

Multiple roller-band devices of the type described may be constructedgenerally similarly to the embodiments of FIGS.

through 13 with provisions made for two or more spaced rollers in asingle housing. The many uses for this type of device changing thetension in the band or by changing the angle of dec'lineof the ends ofthe band. The preferred frame and housing structure renders assembly andadjustment relatively sim: pleand providesa complete enclosure whichcan'b'e hermetically sealed. Multiple rollers used with a common bandmay increase the versatility of the device. A few of thevariousembodiments in which the invention maybe utilized and the functions forwhich it may be used have been disclosed but it I will be appreciatedthat many other arrangements and variadent roller band device all'movable along 'acomi hon plane and'utilizinga common bands Herethecomiiio'n band 300- is connected to an appropria'te base 301, at eachof its ends and thereb'etwen encircles rollers 302, 303, and Inter.mediate rollers 302 and'303, band 300 is restrained by ap} propriatemeans 305 and between rollers 303 and 304, band 1 3.00 is restrained byappropriate means 306. The rollers are all movable along plane 307l Theband may be formed as disclosed'in FIG. 15 whe'reinit incluldes aplurality of cooperating leg and tonguesections. -By way of example,theband FIG.

15 has a first tongue portion 310 with an end member 310;:

' adapted to be connected to base 301-.Tongue portion 310 cooperateswith spaced leg portions 311 andj3l2, andis followed by; another tongueportion3l3 cooperating with spaced 'leg portions 314 and 315, and stillanother tongue portion 316 cooperating with leg portions 317 and 31 8.Finally, another portion 319 is adapted tobefixed to the base sllrface301. It a will be appreciated that any number of; roller-band devicesmay be utilized in an arrangeme nt of this type by simply in creasingthe 'nurnberof rollers and the number of tongue and leg portions. itwill also be appreciatedthat since the band is secured between adjacentrollers,.the rollers operate independently of eachother; In. thearrangement disclosed inFlG. 14,

the three rollers-are all of'different'sizes. This illustrates an at"rangement wherein each of the rollers has adifferent mass and thereforewill respondto a' different force applied. For exarn pie, in animpact-type switch, a plurality of rollers each with a different massmay be utilized and different ones of the rollers will respond to animpact, depending upon the amount of formed .so that ithas a differentinternal bias acting upon different ones of the rollers so that theywill respond to different forces. Obviously, an appropriate readoutsystem can be pm vided which will indicate which roller has beenoperated and thereby indicate the severity of the impact. I a a I FIGS.16 and 17 disclose a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 14m 15. Here aband 400 includes two' pairs of leg portions-on opposite sidesof a longtongue portion 413. The

' first paid of leg portions 411 and412 cooperate with a portion oftongue portion 413 and encircle a roller 402 toprovide a s firstroller-band device urged tow ard the center bytheband. Legs 414 and 415cooperate with-another part of tongue portion 413 and encircle a roller403 to provide a second roller band'device, also urged toward 'thecenter. Thus, rollers 402 and.403 are biased toward each other 'and areresponsive to tions may be utilized and many other functions may beaccomplished by It is not even essential that the rollers be roundalthough this is thepreferred arrangement. An internal bias in the bandis referred to but an external bias, as by a spring,

magnetic force, 'or the like may be used. Many modifications of theillustrative embodiments disclosed herein may become apparentinfview ofthis disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Therefore, these embodiments are disclosedby way ofillustration and not by way of imitation and it is intended that theinvention should be limited solely by the appended claims.

The embodiments'of the invention in which an exclusive 7 property orright claimed are defined as follows:

1. A roller-band device of the single roller type comprising framemeans, a roller, a flexible band having a width substantially greaterthan its thickness encircling said roller and hayingfirst and secondends extending from said roller, the roller being movable back and forthon said frame means generally in a single plane, and means connectingthe ends of said band tolsaid frame means in a position thereon wherebythe ends of said band decline from said plane on which the roller rollsand a each forms'anacute angle with said plane on the opposite side a aa whereby the band encircles the roller with the tongue extendforceexerted upon it by the impact; Also, the band may be I thereof from saidroller, each of said acute angles being changed assaid roller moves backand forth on said frame means and each of saidacute angles being lessthan 20 when :said roller is in a' position suchthat the two acuteanglesare equal.

l 2. A device of claim 1 wherein said band has complementary solid andcutaway portions comprising a pair of spaced legs in one portion and atongue in another portion, said tongue being aligned with the spacebetween said legs and having a width less than the width of the spacebetween said legs,

ing between the legs and with said tongue extending in one directionfrom the roller and the legs in the other. a

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the frame means includes first andsecond end stops defining the limits of travel of said disposed forengagement by said roller at each of its end posi- ,tions, and saidframe further includes an electrically insulative surface engageable bysaid roller intermediate the electrical Contact surfaces at said endposition. I

5; .A roller-band device comprising frame means, a plurality of rollerseach spaced along a flexible band and being movable oppositely-actingforces and can readily be used to provide a back and forth on said framemeans generally in a singular plane, a flexible band encircling eachroller and having first and second portions-extending from said roller,and means connecting said portions of said band to said frame meansbetween adjacent ones of said rollers in a position thereon, wherebysaid portions of said band decline from the plane on which the rollersroll and each forms an acute angle with said plane on the opposite sidethereof from the roller from which it extends, whereby each of saidrollers cooperates with said band independently of the others.

6. The device of claim wherein said plurality of rollers are rollablesubstantially on a common plane and are responsive to different appliedforces.

7. The device of claim 5 including at least two rollers, and the bandbeing formed of a resilient material providing an internal bias urgingeach of said rollers in opposite directions whereby the'device providesa bi-directional force responsive roller-band device.

8. A roller-band device comprising frame means, a roller being movableback and forth on said frame means generally in a singular plane, aflexible band encircling said roller and having first and second endsextending from said roller, said frame means including first frame meansproviding a rolling surface for said roller and second frame meansmovably mounted with respect to said first frame means for generallyback and forth movement .in the direction'of the movement of said rollerto permit adjustment of the device, and means connecting the ends ofsaid band to said second frame means in a position spaced below saidrolling surface whereby the ends of said band decline from said rollingsurface and each forms an acute angle with said rolling surface on theopposite side thereof from said roller.

9. The device of claim 8 further including third frame means comprisinga housing member adapted to receive said first and second frame meanstherein and cooperating with said first and second frame means tosubstantially enclose said rollerband device.

10. A roller-band device comprising frame means including a first framemember having a pair of spaced rail portions, a second frame membermovably mounted with respect to said first frame member such that saidsecond frame member is movable in a direction generally parallel to saidrail portions whereby said roller and band may be moved with said secondframe member and with respect to said first frame member, said secondframe member including a portion disposed between and recessed from saidrail portions, a roller, a flexible band encircling said roller andhaving first and second ends extending from said roller, meansconnecting said ends of said band to said second frame member, and meansfor fixedly securing said second frame member with respect to said firstframe member.

11. The roller-band device of claim 10 wherein said roller extendsgenerally transversely to said rail portions and is of sufficient lengthso that it engages each of said rail portions and is rollabletherealong, said band is disposed between said rail portions, and theopposite ends of said band are connected to said second frame means in aposition recessed from the plane in which said roller rolls along saidrail portions and on the opposite side thereof from said roller wherebythe ends of said band each form an acute angle with said plane andwhereby, when said band is held in tension, it applies a downward forceon said roller urging it into engagement with saidrail portions.

12. The roller-band device of claim 10 including fixed contact meansmounted on said first frame member and engageable by said roller, saidroller being electrically conductive, and means for connecting saidroller and said fixed contact means into an electrical circuit wherebysaid circuit is completed through said roller and said contact means incertain positions of said roller wherein it is in engagement with saidcontact means.

13. The roller-band device in, claim 10 wherein said first frame memberfurther includes stop means defining first and second end positionslimiting the travel of said roller, fixed contact means on said firstframe member, generally onthe surface of said rail portions, anddisposed for engagement by said roller in at least one of its endpositions.

14. The roller-band device of claim '10 wherein said roller has a lengthless than the distance between said rail portions and rolls directly onsaid second frame member between said rail portions.

15. The roller-band device of claim 10 further including a third framemember comprising a housing having one open side and adapted to receivesaid first and second frame members and said roller and band therein,said first'frame member having a portion cooperable with said thirdframe member to close the'open side thereof when the rest of saidroller-band device is disposed therein and to thereby-provide asubstantially complete enclosure of said roller-band device.

16. The device of claim 10 further including electrical contact surfacemeans on said frame means, and a contact portion on said roller forengagement with said contact surface, said frame means defining alongitudinal direction, said band and roller being movable togetheralong the longitudinal direction upon their rolling together about theaxis of the roller, 'the roller and band 'rollingtogether with a firstradius determining their longitudinal velocity, the contact portion ofthe roller having .a second radius, different from said first radius,whereby the velocity of said contact portion with respect to saidcontact surface is greater or less than will provide simple rollingcontact therebetween.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said first radius is greater thansaid second radius, thus causing the velocity of said contact portionwith respect to said contact surface to be less than will provide simplerolling contact, thereby causing a skidding action of said contactportion on said contact surface.

18. The device of claim 16 wherein said first radius is less than saidsecond radius, thus causing the velocity of said contact portion withrespect to said contact surface to be greater than will provide simplerolling contact, thereby causing a wiping action of said contact portionon said contact surface.

19. Combination of claim 10 wherein at least a portion of said band isconstructed of a bimetallic, temperature-responsive material arranged tomove said roller in response to temperature change.

20. The combination of claim 10 further including an electricallyconductivemember mounted on said support means and extending generallylongitudinally thereon and disposed in the path of one of said rollerand said band whereby said one of said roller and band will move alongand engage said conductive member as said roller and band move back andforth in said longitudinal direction, said one of said roller and bandbeing electrically conductive, means for connecting said conductormember and said one of said roller and band into an electric circuit andin an arrangement whereby said conductive member and said one of saidroller and band act as a slide wire potentiometer so that the resistanceof said circuit varies with the position of said one of said roller andband with respect to said conductive member.

21. A roller-band device comprising: frame means including at least oneguide member for guiding-a roller back and forth along a predeterminedpath; a roller being movable back and forth on said guide member alongsaid path; band means for biasing said roller against said guide memberincluding at least one flexible band member encircling said roller andhaving first and second ends extending from said roller, one of saidframe and bias means having two of its respective members spacedlaterally from each other and the other of said frame and bias meanshaving at least one respective member extending between the laterallyspaced members of said one means;

and means connecting the ends of said flexible band member to said framemeans in a position thereon whereby each forms an acute angle with saidpredetermined path on the opposite side thereof from said roller.

v22. The roller-band device of claim 21 including two guide membersspaced laterally from each other and asingle flexible band memberextending between said guide members.

. 12 said tongue extending in one direction from the roller and legs inthe other. e

24. The roller-band device of claim 21 wherein said guide memberincludes electrical contact means disposed for engagement by saidroller.

the

4 I I i i

1. A roller-band device of the single roller type comprising framemeans, a roller, a flexible band having a width substantially greaterthan its thickness encircling said roller and having first and secondends extending from said roller, the roller being movable back and forthon said frame means generally in a single plane, and means connectingthe ends of said band to said frame means in a position thereon wherebythe ends of said band decline from said plane on which the roller rollsand each forms an acute angle with said plane on the opposite sidethereof from said roller, each of said acute angles being changed assaid roller moves back and forth on said frame means and each of saidacute angles being less than 20* when said roller is in a position suchthat the two acute angles are equal.
 2. A device of claim 1 wherein saidband has complementary solid and cutaway portions comprising a pair ofspaced legs in one portion and a tongue in another portion, said tonguebeing aligned with the space between said legs and having a width lessthan the width of the space between said legs, whereby the bandencircles the roller with the tongue extending between the legs and withsaid tongue extending in one direction from the roller and the legs inthe other.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the frame means includesfirst and second end stops defining the limits of travel of said rollerand band on said frame means, and the device further includes electricalcontact means disposed for engagement by said roller in at least one ofthe end positions of said roller.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein saidroller has an electrically conductive surface engageable with saidcontacts, said frame means has mounted thereon electrical contact meansdisposed for engagement by said roller at each of its end positions, andsaid frame further includes an electrically insulative surfaceengageable by said roller intermediate the electrical contact surfacesat said end position.
 5. A roller-band device comprising frame means, aplurality of rollers each spaced along a flexible band and being movableback and forth on said frame means generally in a singular plane, aflexible band encircling each roller and having first and secondportionS extending from said roller, and means connecting said portionsof said band to said frame means between adjacent ones of said rollersin a position thereon, whereby said portions of said band decline fromthe plane on which the rollers roll and each forms an acute angle withsaid plane on the opposite side thereof from the roller from which itextends, whereby each of said rollers cooperates with said bandindependently of the others.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein saidplurality of rollers are rollable substantially on a common plane andare responsive to different applied forces.
 7. The device of claim 5including at least two rollers, and the band being formed of a resilientmaterial providing an internal bias urging each of said rollers inopposite directions whereby the device provides a bi-directional forceresponsive roller-band device.
 8. A roller-band device comprising framemeans, a roller being movable back and forth on said frame meansgenerally in a singular plane, a flexible band encircling said rollerand having first and second ends extending from said roller, said framemeans including first frame means providing a rolling surface for saidroller and second frame means movably mounted with respect to said firstframe means for generally back and forth movement in the direction ofthe movement of said roller to permit adjustment of the device, andmeans connecting the ends of said band to said second frame means in aposition spaced below said rolling surface whereby the ends of said banddecline from said rolling surface and each forms an acute angle withsaid rolling surface on the opposite side thereof from said roller. 9.The device of claim 8 further including third frame means comprising ahousing member adapted to receive said first and second frame meanstherein and cooperating with said first and second frame means tosubstantially enclose said roller-band device.
 10. A roller-band devicecomprising frame means including a first frame member having a pair ofspaced rail portions, a second frame member movably mounted with respectto said first frame member such that said second frame member is movablein a direction generally parallel to said rail portions whereby saidroller and band may be moved with said second frame member and withrespect to said first frame member, said second frame member including aportion disposed between and recessed from said rail portions, a roller,a flexible band encircling said roller and having first and second endsextending from said roller, means connecting said ends of said band tosaid second frame member, and means for fixedly securing said secondframe member with respect to said first frame member.
 11. Theroller-band device of claim 10 wherein said roller extends generallytransversely to said rail portions and is of sufficient length so thatit engages each of said rail portions and is rollable therealong, saidband is disposed between said rail portions, and the opposite ends ofsaid band are connected to said second frame means in a positionrecessed from the plane in which said roller rolls along said railportions and on the opposite side thereof from said roller whereby theends of said band each form an acute angle with said plane and whereby,when said band is held in tension, it applies a downward force on saidroller urging it into engagement with said rail portions.
 12. Theroller-band device of claim 10 including fixed contact means mounted onsaid first frame member and engageable by said roller, said roller beingelectrically conductive, and means for connecting said roller and saidfixed contact means into an electrical circuit whereby said circuit iscompleted through said roller and said contact means in certainpositions of said roller wherein it is in engagement with said contactmeans.
 13. The roller-band device in claim 10 wherein said first framemember further includes stop means defining first and second endpositions limiting the traveL of said roller, fixed contact means onsaid first frame member, generally on the surface of said rail portions,and disposed for engagement by said roller in at least one of its endpositions.
 14. The roller-band device of claim 10 wherein said rollerhas a length less than the distance between said rail portions and rollsdirectly on said second frame member between said rail portions.
 15. Theroller-band device of claim 10 further including a third frame membercomprising a housing having one open side and adapted to receive saidfirst and second frame members and said roller and band therein, saidfirst frame member having a portion cooperable with said third framemember to close the open side thereof when the rest of said roller-banddevice is disposed therein and to thereby provide a substantiallycomplete enclosure of said roller-band device.
 16. The device of claim10 further including electrical contact surface means on said framemeans, and a contact portion on said roller for engagement with saidcontact surface, said frame means defining a longitudinal direction,said band and roller being movable together along the longitudinaldirection upon their rolling together about the axis of the roller, theroller and band rolling together with a first radius determining theirlongitudinal velocity, the contact portion of the roller having a secondradius, different from said first radius, whereby the velocity of saidcontact portion with respect to said contact surface is greater or lessthan will provide simple rolling contact therebetween.
 17. The device ofclaim 16 wherein said first radius is greater than said second radius,thus causing the velocity of said contact portion with respect to saidcontact surface to be less than will provide simple rolling contact,thereby causing a skidding action of said contact portion on saidcontact surface.
 18. The device of claim 16 wherein said first radius isless than said second radius, thus causing the velocity of said contactportion with respect to said contact surface to be greater than willprovide simple rolling contact, thereby causing a wiping action of saidcontact portion on said contact surface.
 19. Combination of claim 10wherein at least a portion of said band is constructed of a bimetallic,temperature-responsive material arranged to move said roller in responseto temperature change.
 20. The combination of claim 10 further includingan electrically conductive member mounted on said support means andextending generally longitudinally thereon and disposed in the path ofone of said roller and said band whereby said one of said roller andband will move along and engage said conductive member as said rollerand band move back and forth in said longitudinal direction, said one ofsaid roller and band being electrically conductive, means for connectingsaid conductor member and said one of said roller and band into anelectric circuit and in an arrangement whereby said conductive memberand said one of said roller and band act as a slide wire potentiometerso that the resistance of said circuit varies with the position of saidone of said roller and band with respect to said conductive member. 21.A roller-band device comprising: frame means including at least oneguide member for guiding a roller back and forth along a predeterminedpath; a roller being movable back and forth on said guide member alongsaid path; band means for biasing said roller against said guide memberincluding at least one flexible band member encircling said roller andhaving first and second ends extending from said roller, one of saidframe and bias means having two of its respective members spacedlaterally from each other and the other of said frame and bias meanshaving at least one respective member extending between the laterallyspaced members of said one means; and means connecting the ends of saidflexible band member to said frame means in a position thereon wherebyeach forms an acute angle with said pRedetermined path on the oppositeside thereof from said roller.
 22. The roller-band device of claim 21including two guide members spaced laterally from each other and asingle flexible band member extending between said guide members. 23.The roller-band device of claim 21 wherein each of said bands havecomplimentary solid and cutaway portions comprising a pair of spacedlegs in one portion and a tongue in another portion, said tongue beingaligned with the space between said legs and having a width less thanthe width of the space between said legs, whereby each of said bandsencircles the roller with the tongue extending between the legs and withsaid tongue extending in one direction from the roller and the legs inthe other.
 24. The roller-band device of claim 21 wherein said guidemember includes electrical contact means disposed for engagement by saidroller.